The pick-up lane at Seeliger Elementary School transformed Wednesday morning into a hub of sirens, flashing lights and heavy machinery as the school hosted a Touch-A-Truck event in partnership with the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT).
The event offered students a hands-on look at the specialized vehicles and personnel that help keep Nevada’s roads safe and operating efficiently. Participating agencies included the Nevada Highway Patrol, Carson City Sheriff’s Office, Carson City Fire Department, D&S Towing and Capital Towing, along with NDOT crews.
Students were invited to climb into vehicles, explore equipment and interact with first responders and transportation professionals. Many activated emergency lights, pulled horn cables and sat on police motorcycles. Vehicle loudspeakers were a popular attraction, with some students issuing mock traffic instructions while others made playful announcements to classmates.
In addition to the interactive elements, students observed demonstrations, including flatbed tow truck operations and NDOT lift gates, offering a closer look at the equipment used to maintain roadways. The event also included a visit from a K9 officer, adding to the educational experience.
“Providing students with this level of access serves two purposes,” said Tim Mueller, Transportation Systems Management and Operations performance manager with NDOT, who helped coordinate the event with the school. “First, it’s a lot of fun for them. But more importantly, it bridges the gap between seeing these vehicles on the road and understanding the roles they play in keeping our community safe.”
Photo Credit: Seeliger Elementary School Teachers Katerina Bleuss, second grade; Tawny Hopper, third grade; and Jean Anne Bryant-Green, second grade.
Composition/Collaborator Credit: Michelle Pedersen, Carson City School Board trustee and clerk, who attended the event
ABOUT Carson City School District
Located in Nevada’s capital, Carson City School District offers public education to approximately 7,300 students throughout Carson City. The district includes 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and 1 comprehensive high school. Carson City School District boasts many successes including impressive graduation rates, strict safety measures, programs for gifted students and advanced-placement classes, among several others. For more information, visitcarsoncityschools.com.
